Terwijl Alva vrijt met de hoer van Babylon raakt de economie van het land in verval / Margaretha van Parma, Granvelle en de paus steunen Alva's missie, ca. 1567-1572 1572

This print, made anonymously between 1567 and 1572, captures the political turmoil of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. The artist uses satire to comment on the economic decline caused by the Duke of Alva’s oppressive regime. On the left, Alva cavorts with the "hoer van Babylon" symbolizing moral decay, while merchants suffer beneath him. On the right, we see the Pope, along with Margaretha van Parma and Cardinal Granvelle, supporting Alva’s mission, highlighting the Catholic Church's role in the conflict. The print doesn’t shy away from depicting the raw impact of political decisions on everyday life. By using symbolism and direct social commentary, the artist creates a powerful statement on power, corruption, and the human cost of political and religious conflict. The emotional weight of this piece lies in its visual depiction of injustice. It’s a stark reminder of how political actions affect the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people.